SHARPER THAN A SWORD

SERMONS

Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

All articles are written using the NKJV, unless otherwise noted! All articles are written by David Hicks, unless specified otherwise.

They Don’t Have A Prayer!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11-13

Intro – When it comes to salvation, sinners don’t have a prayer!!!

Define a sinner – Romans 6:12-14; 1 John 3:4

Yes, God loves them! – Yes, Jesus died for them! – Yes, the Spirit of God still wields His sword (Ephesians 6:17)! Yes, the gates of heaven are wide open!

But they still don’t have a prayer!

What do they Have?

·         They have God’s Omniscience.

Just as the botanist sees the flower that is about to open, God knows the hearts that are ready to open to His word! Hebrews 4:11-13

·         They have God’s Plan of Salvation.

God’s omniscience knows when a sinner is ready to come to Him, even if the sinner prays; however, He does not grant salvation by the prayer! God saves sinners by keeping with the promises of His covenant!!!

Acts 10 – Cornelius

Acts 9:11 – Saul of Tarsus (Praying 3 days); Saul still had sins that had to be washed away!

God’s GPS (God’s Plan of Salvation), never included a prayer, but an ear tuned to His word, and a heart ready to accept all the grace filled instructions (Acts 8:26-39)! Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16

·         They have God’s Love.

Love is one of the most powerful forces in the world; God possesses the highest degree of love; so, sinners set in a favorable place to find His love. 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9

·         They have God’s Providential Assistance.

Psalm 33:13-14 “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. ¹⁴ From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth”

From God’s vantage point, He knows when an individual wants to know His salvation. Does He have the power to providentially introduce sinner with preacher? John 7:17 – Do we then appreciate our role in God’s providence – Acts 8, Philip and Eunuch?

·         They have our Love.

In God’s true GPS, a sinner should not have to go out looking for someone to teach him the truth! Someone should come to him!

Matthew 28: 18-28; Colossians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:12